What's Really Included in a Concrete Driveway Estimate? (And 7 Red Flags to Watch Out For)

If you've ever gotten a concrete driveway estimate before, you know the feeling.

You open the email, see a number at the bottom, and think: "Okay... but what exactly am I paying for?"

And honestly? You're not alone.

We meet with homeowners every week who show us bids from other contractors in Dane County, and most of the time, the number is the only thing that's clear.

Let's fix that.

This isn't about turning you into a concrete estimate expert. It's about giving you a quick, confident way to know if the bid in front of you is complete... or full of blind spots that could cost you later.

Why Do Contractors Leave Things Out Of A Concrete Driveway Estimate?

Sometimes it's intentional. Sometimes it's just the way they've always done it.

Either way, it's common for contractors to give you just enough detail to make the price look attractive, without explaining what's actually included.

That's how homeowners like Mark and Lisa P. of Sun Prairie end up with driveways that start showing premature surface wear and failure within just a couple of years.

They showed us their original bid - it looked like a deal on paper, but there was no mention of rebar, gravel depth, or even what kind of sealer would be used. By the time they realized those details weren't included, it was too late.

So, what should you be watching for?

Red Flag #1: A "Warranty" With No Details

A lot of bids toss in a vague "1-year warranty," but don't actually spell out what's covered.

A trustworthy bid should list things like:

• Settling warranty (we offer lifetime coverage for settling issues).

• Surface durability guarantee (ours lasts 2 years).

If your estimate skips these or uses broad language, that's a red flag.

Red Flag #2: No Mention of Gravel Base Depth

One of the most important parts of any driveway is what's underneath it.

In Dane County, you want at least 8 inches of compacted gravel base.

It costs more to do it right, which is exactly why some bids avoid spelling it out.

If you don't see base depth written clearly, ask. Or walk away.

Red Flag #3: No Reinforcement Listed

Rebar. Fiber mesh. Both. Or... nothing at all?

Reinforcement is what keeps a driveway performing well after normal surface cracks appear.

It makes the difference between a slab that holds its shape for 20 years - or one that shifts and settles within 3.

If a bid just says "concrete" with nothing about what's inside it, it’s safe to assume the reinforcement isn't there.

Red Flag #4: No Sealer Type Specified

This one surprised Mark and Lisa the most.

The contractor they hired previously used a cheap acrylic sealer that wore off within a year.

We use a penetrating sealer that protects their replacement driveway for up to 7 years.

If your estimate doesn't name the sealer, or simply says "sealed," that's a red flag.

Red Flag #5: No Specifics About Who's Actually Doing the Work

A bid should clarify whether it's:

• The same in-house crew from start to finish

• Or a rotating group of subcontractors

We use our own teams, not subcontractors, and pay them well (full benefits included). Because when a crew feels valued, they show up focused and do it right the first time.

If your bid doesn't name who's doing the work? It might not be someone accountable.

Red Flag #6: No Mention of Diggers Hotline or Permits

In Wisconsin, contractors should be the ones calling Diggers Hotline and handling permits.

If your bid doesn't mention this, there's a good chance they'll expect you to do it.

That creates safety risks and can delay your project.

Red Flag #7: Vague Payment Terms or Cancellation Policy

You deserve to know:

• How much is due up front?

• What happens if you cancel?

• Is there a fee if you pay with a credit card?

If these terms aren't listed clearly? That's a red flag before the job even starts.

We're not sharing this to scare you.

We're sharing it because little omissions on paper often turn into big headaches later - like surprise fees, poor durability, or rushed timelines.

When you know what to look for, you protect yourself.

Want to See Exactly What Should Be in Your Bid?

We put together a Buyer's Concrete Contractor Checklist just for Dane County homeowners.

It walks you through every area that an estimate should cover.

No pressure. No sales pitch.

Just a simple way so you can make a confident, informed decision.